1937 diamond block

[Gwill65074]

Morning Fellas, I just got my hands on a 1937 diamond block from a Gleaner Baldwin combine and can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can start checking it out. The motor turns free and still has molasses in it and so far on the outside everything looks good. I found it in a field in central Kansas and the vin number checks as Feb. 22, 1937. The engine was totally complete, radiator and shell, starter, Kingston carb and governor, manifolds, distributor, generator and PTO. Hopefully I can find some old tractor guys needing the parts I won't use. Anyway, I'm excited about my new project and wanted to share, (gloat)
Glen

[TinCup]

We found two similar motors buried in Northwest Okla. Both off of Gleaners. One has already been rebuilt and is a good running motor. The other still has standard pistons and is waiting it's rebuild. Both still had original babbitt and was in great shape.

[Joe K]

If any of these are the "reverse" (outlet upwards) pattern exhaust manifolds, this Gordon-Smith Compressor owner might be interested to buy. Difficult to use on a stock Model A (unless you want to cut a hole in your hood and emulate trucks or dragsters or rat-rods.)

The upward pattern manifolds were also used on welders and other Model A engine adaptations.

Mine is a Gordon-Smith compressor conversion on a custom built stand/chassis in which the maker (not me) didn't really plan ahead for the down-turning exhaust manifold as normally found on a Model A. I've adapted to use the standard manifold - but the adaptation is um, design challenged.

Joe K

[Gwill65074]

Finally got my Diamond in the garage and got it tore down. It has standard pistons, and a B cam. The piston rods look different to me than the rods in the previous engine I rebuilt. These look black to me rather than the original casting color. I was amazed at the cleanliness of the interior of the block when I opened it up, other than the usual oil everywhere. I check all 4 cylinders against the spec 3.875 and these are all running about 3.88 or 89. Now I need to decide how I want to build it. I have a B distributor that is very nice, but I will need to figure out how to time the engine with it installed. I'm pretty sure I want to put in modern valves and 1 piece guides, but other than this, I'm not sure what else would be a plus.

[C26Pinelake]

Do you plan on putting it in a Model A ?
Wayne

[Gwill65074]

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Yes, my '30 Tudor.

[Binger]

Does the governor that was on it run off the timing cover? If so some hot rod guys may like it to build a magneto drive out of it for an OHV engine.

[Gwill65074]

Thanks, but I sold it last week.

[Gold Digger]

I have 4 governors that run off the timing gear.

[Terry, NJ]

I have a "whatsit?" Zenith carb that looks like a Mod A except when you look hard at it, you see that the mounting flange is "twisted" 90 deg. (The back bolt must be "Fun" to get on) and the choke uses a cable. Is this off a Gleaner?
Terry

[Gwill65074]

The Gleaner carbs I've seen are "Kingston" look at the links:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Anti...62fad9&vxp=mtr Gleener set up.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-King...2ebff4&vxp=mtr

[jim1932]

Originally Posted by Gwill65074

I have a B distributor that is very nice, but I will need to figure out how to time the engine with it installed. I'm pretty sure I want to put in modern valves and 1 piece guides, but other than this, I'm not sure what else would be a plus.

I imagine you need the B version of the timing cover. The timing hole is a little higher on the B compared to an A. Check Vince Falters site for photos

[Gwill65074]

I'm still trying to figure out where to find Model B motor parts. I read yesterday where Ford produced a cam cover that had an extended boss on it where the Model A timing pin is located that would allow you to drill and tap it for use on a Model B motor. I noticed later in the day that my Gleaner came with one.

[jim1932]

you can find timing covers on evilbay. Look for model A ones as sometimes the B stuff is mislabeled. The correct one is on there now, but the owner is delusional on price (it is also incorrectly posted as an A).

[1932tub]

Originally Posted by Gwill65074

Yes, my '30 Tudor.

I have recently put a diamond block in my 30 Roadster Pickup, something I found was that the block was considerably narrower at the rear engine mounts
and the mounting holes were in different places to the A. Using Vince Falters
numbers it would appear that the block was manufactured in 1941.
It was originally used on a fire pump at the local airport.
Pay to have a measure up before you start trying to fit it.
Also the engine sat in the chassis a little lower and fouled the brake cross shaft.
I had to space it down about 3/8".

[1932tub]

Yeah flywheel housing if you want to be picky

[Gwill65074]

Saw that, thanks